![]() It is an introduced species in Hawai'i, southern California, and Bermuda. It also occurs in southern Arizona and New Mexico, as well as in most of Mexico and in northern Belize and Guatemala. Widely distributed in the East, the Northern Cardinal can be admired from southeastern Canada south through the eastern and central United States. A group of Northern Cardinals is called a "college," "conclave," or "Vatican." The Prothonotary Warbler's name also refers to robe colors - in this case, yellow - worn by Catholic Church officials, the chief notaries. ![]() Both this bird's common name and its scientific moniker Cardinalis cardinalis refer to these church officials. The Northern Cardinal's bright red plumage reminded early European settlers of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, high-ranking bishops who wear red robes and caps. Louis professional baseball team) to Arizona (professional football team), and at countless colleges and high schools. It's also a popular sports mascot, from Missouri (the St. The species' eye-catching plumage and wide distribution also helped land the Northern Cardinal the title of “most popular state bird,” since the following seven states declare it the official bird (the most for any species): Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. It even features as a main character in a popular video game-turned-movie. The cardinal is a popular motif on many bird-themed decorations, holiday cards, and ornaments. The female's plumage of brown with red accents is more subdued, but she sings just as beautifully as her mate. The male "Redbird" is unmistakable, with a distinctive crest and vivid red plumage, which is rivaled perhaps only by the Scarlet Tanager or Vermilion Flycatcher. In the East, few birds are as familiar and well-loved as the Northern Cardinal. ![]() Northern Cardinal range map by American Bird Conservancy
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